Rudi Milne

A friend of mine had studied Outdoor Adventure in Broadford and had a really positive experience, which got me thinking about what I could do. I was already familiar with UHI through friends and family, and I’d taken part in outdoor activities through Outward Bound. I hadn’t realised until then that working in the outdoors could actually be a career. 

While studying the Level 5 course in Broadford, I really enjoyed the practical activities. We did sea kayaking, hill walking and navigation, canoeing and a little bit of outdoor climbing. I went into the course with little practical experience, so I was able to develop my skills from the ground up. 

The environment was really supportive, and I was happy with the support I received from my lecturers and tutors. It’s a really close-knit community. 

I also had the opportunity to do a week-long work placement at Glencoe Outdoor Centre. It was an amazing and really rewarding experience. We had a local school group for the first day and then a school group from Glasgow for the rest of the week. It was great to see their progression throughout the week, particularly as some of them were experiencing the outdoors for the first time. 

I’ve now progressed onto the Level 6 course and moved to Fort William. Level 5 gave me a base level of skills because I got to try a little bit of everything and learn about different areas of the industry. 

After Level 6, I’d like to move into employment. All the tickets and awards I’ve gained will help me with that. The work experience has also been great for making connections, and I hope that will help me when I’m looking for employment and further experience. 

I’d absolutely recommend the course to other people. It’s a brilliant course with great lecturers, and it’s a great first step into the industry. You get really good guidance, and it’s not just about developing practical skills. You also develop your personal skills and confidence. 

Level 6 is a great progression from Level 5. It’s more intense and competitive, with extra practical days. I think starting at Level 5 laid the foundation of knowledge I needed and prepared me for what was to come. 

The best thing about living and studying in the Highlands is the access to nature. I hadn’t really thought about these things before studying, but the access we have to such amazing landscapes is incredible. It’s a really dynamic environment and a great place to learn.